What You Should Do Before Applying
If you are serious about eventually getting a U.S. green card through employment, start preparing before you need the documents.
1. Build a strong professional record
Keep evidence of:
* Employment history
* Degrees
* Certifications
* Awards
* Publications
* Professional memberships
* Projects
* Media coverage
* Research
* Leadership positions
* Salary records where relevant
* Major professional accomplishments
2. Keep your documents organized
Don’t wait until an immigration opportunity appears before trying to find a certificate you earned eight years ago.
Create a secure digital folder for important professional and educational records.
3. Research employers carefully
A company offering a job is not necessarily a company willing to sponsor permanent residence.
Ask the right questions.
4. Watch visa availability
Don’t just read “EB-2” or “EB-3” and assume the process is identical for everyone.
Follow the State Department’s Visa Bulletin and USCIS guidance.
5. Be careful with immigration advice online
TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and online forums can be useful for learning what questions to ask.
But immigration law is too important to base an individual case entirely on somebody else’s experience.